Hearts march on at the top

Posted Sunday, November 16, 2014 by PA

Hearts extended their unbeaten start to the season in the Scottish Championship to stay top as goals from Kevin McHattie and Soufian El Hassnaoui secured a 2-1 win at Falkirk.

Defender McHattie and Dutch striker El Hassnaoui both struck their second goals of the season to put Hearts two-up at half-time and although Falkirk substitute Botti Bia Bi pulled one back for the home side after the interval it was not enough.

El Hassnaoui forced a fine save from Falkirk goalkeeper Jamie MacDonald before McHattie opened the scoring in the 27th minute, lashing home an angled drive from the left side of the penalty area following Billy King's pass.

Forward El Hassnaoui doubled the visitors' lead 10 minutes later when he steered home strike partner Jamie Walker's ball across the six-yard area.

Falkirk midfielder Will Vaulks spurned a golden chance before the break when pulling his shot wide and Alex Cooper forced Hearts goalkeeper Neil Alexander to hold his long-range effort early in the second period.

The home side threatened again through David McCracken's header before reducing the deficit in the 71st minute.

Midfielder Blair Alston made the telling pass into the penalty area and Botti Bia Bi applied a cool finish, but Hearts held on to register their fifth league win on the road this season.